So yesterday, Ken and Harriet judged a barbecue contest in Winterset. Contestants prepared their offerings along one side of the lovely town square. We did our own awards: Best team name: Burnt Reynolds, with 2Shay a close second. Cutest smoker: pictured. Notice the cowcatcher and wheels on the smokestack end.

Since it was Sunday, most of the retail establishments were closed. One that wasn't was the old-fashioned Ben Franklin that seems to take up a third of one block. We spent 45 minutes wandering the aisles, purchasing socks and red licorice. They have a great fabric department, a wide selection of toys, and an assortment of Madison County memorabilia. Back at the campground, supper consisted of great leftover BBQ, sweet corn and a crisp salad.

The day before, we were fascinated with the number of shagbark hickory trees on one of the trails here in Pammel Park. It is also scary to note the number of ash trees providing the wonderful shade on our campsites that are probably doomed in the near future.

Still haven't visited one of the covered bridges, so that is on our agenda this morning after breakfast. Then we will take off for Walnut Woods on the south side of Des Moines. The weather has been so perfect, I am ignoring the hot, muggy forecast for the middle of the week.